Is the recession bad for your skin? Stress induced breakouts.

Wondering why your skin has suddenly reverting to acting like a teenagers? Confused as to why?

Well experts believe that the recession (and with it the increased stress levels) could well be the culprit for an ever-increasing number of skin conditions.

Nine in ten dermatologists have noted a marked a rise in eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions triggered by stress since the credit crunch hit.

With the distress of skin conditions leading some sufferers self-harming and even contemplating suicide, The British Skin Foundation said it is important to address any underlying emotional problems that are triggering the physical symptoms.

The snapshot survey of 105 doctors and nurses who specialise in skin conditions found that 41 per cent had seen a noticeable increase in stress-related skin conditions.

Five per cent cited a ‘huge’ increase and almost half had seen a slight increase.

The poll, which was carried out at the British Association of Dermatologists’ annual conference earlier this month, showed the recession to be taking its greatest toll in eczema sufferers.

However, there were also rises in acne, psoriasis, characterised by dry red patches of skin covered with silvery scales, and vitiligo, in which pale patches appear on the skin.

Almost half of the dermatology doctors and nurses questioned said that the psychological stresses that can trigger skin conditions or fuel flare-ups need to be taken more seriously.

All too often, the impact of skin disease is under-estimated. Many patients consider their skin conditions to be more psychologically damaging than diabetes or heart disease.

The recession brings with it a set of problems that add further stress and misery to the millions that already live with a skin disease in the UK.

There are a number of things you can do to minimise the chances of your skin breaking out, including drinking lots of fresh water, eating healthily, exercising and regularly exfoliating your skin through microdermabrasion or at home treatments. The exfoliation works by removing dead skin cells and rejuvenating the skins surface, allow pores to remain clear and giving the skin a plump, fresh look.